U of L Athletics is committed to providing our student-athletes, coaches and fans with the best facilities in our conference, region and across the country. The expansion to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the Howard Schnellenberger team complex will not only enhance the game day environment, but also increase our ability to recruit and train the nation’s best and brightest student-athletes as well as enable our coaching staff to operate more effectively. By enclosing the stadium, we will capture the enthusiasm and cheering our fans bring to every home game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere.

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THE HOWARD L. SCHNELLENBERGER TEAM COMPLEX?

Improvements to the football complex will enhance the student-athlete experience, objective number one for the project. The additional and renovated 70,000 square feet will include doubling the size of the training and weight center, upgrading the team locker room, adding theater-style meeting areas, creating a players lounge and theater room.

HOW MUCH IS THE PROJECT GOING TO COST AND HOW WILL IT BE FUNDED?

The project is estimated to cost $55 million and will be funded entirely by U of L Athletics through private donations. The project will not require any student fees, university, state or federal subsidies.

WILL U OF L BE ABLE TO PLAY AT PAPA JOHN'S CARDINAL STADIUM DURING CONSTRUCTION?

Yes. Construction plans have been formulated so that each upcoming season can be completed without interruption to season ticket holders.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL THE NEWS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROJECT?

To receive updates on the Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium project including renderings, seating options, amenities, pricing and on-sale dates please register for the Waitlist HERE. Cardinal Athletic Fund Members and Season Ticket Holders need not register, as they will be the first to receive project updates.

Premium & General Seating Questions

WHAT SORT OF PREMIUM SEATING OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE AS A RESULT OF THE RENOVATION?

A variety of new premium seating options – including field level suites, premium boxes and club seats – will be available on the North end zone as part of the expansion. Detailed information on the types of amenities for each premium seating option will be provided in the near future. To ensure you stay informed about the project, including premium seating, please register for the Waitlist HERE. Cardinal Athletic Fund Members and Season Ticket Holders need not register, as they will be the first to receive project updates.

WHEN WILL PRICING BE AVAILABLE FOR NEW PREMIUM SEATING OPTIONS?

Pricing for new premium seating areas is still being finalized and will be released as soon as it is available.

WILL NEW PREMIUM SEATING OPTIONS BE AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED FANS?

Yes, accessible seating options will be available on all seating levels.

I'M A CAF MEMBER/FOOTBALL SEASON TICKET HOLDER. WILL I HAVE PRIORITY TO PURCHASE NEW PREMIUM SEATING?

Yes, Cardinal Athletic Fund Members and current Football Season Ticket Holders at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium will have priority to purchase new premium seating. The process will be determined by the CAF Priority Point system, which is in place to reward those fans who support the program the longest and strongest. If you would like to make a gift to improve your priority point total, please contact the Cardinal Athletic Fund at 502-852-8921.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO REQUEST/ORDER NEW OR UPGRADED SEATS?

Once the seating plan has been finalized and pricing and amenities have been determined, Cardinal Athletic Fund Members and Season Ticket Holders at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium will be notified regarding the timeline, seating options and details of the seat selection process. Additional information, including FAQs about the seat selection process will also be added to this website.

I AM NOT A SEASON TICKET HOLDER BUT I AM INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A SUITE, PREMIUM BOX OR CLUB SEATS. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Members of the U of L Waitlist will have the opportunity to purchase any remaining premium seating after Cardinal Athletic Fund and current Football Season Ticket Holders. To secure a spot on the Waitlist, should any inventory become available, please click HERE.

I AM A U OF L DONOR, BUT I AM NOT A SEASON TICKET HOLDER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Donors will have priority to purchase both 2016 and 2017 Season Tickets and new premium seats. A representative of the University will contact you in the coming months to communicate the timeline and process to purchase. Click HERE to request season tickets.

WILL BECOMING A CAF MEMBER OR SEASON TICKET HOLDER IMPROVE MY PRIORITY FOR NEW PREMIUM SEATING?

Yes. Joining the Cardinal Athletic Fund is the best way to directly support our student-athletes and improve your position for new premium seating. If you would like to become a CAF Member, please contact the Cardinal Athletic Fund at 502-852-8921. If you would like to become a Season Ticket Holder, please click HERE.

WHAT WILL THE NEW SEATING CAPACITY BE AT PAPA JOHN'S CARDINAL STADIUM?

Official capacity for the renovated Papa John's Cardinal Stadium is expected to be 65,000.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE JOHNNY UNITAS STATUE?

The statue is an important part of the U of L tradition, and as such will be moved to a high-profile position on campus where it can be viewed by more fans. The future location is currently being discussed by University officials and project architects and will be announced in the near future.